DCSA releases Just-in-Time Port Call Data Definitions 1.2 Beta

Extending JIT standards framework to include 110 timestamps 

July 05, 2022 – DCSA has published Just-in-Time (JIT) Port Call Data Definitions version 1.2 Beta. The release includes interface standards and messaging API specifications for 110 trade-agnostic event timestamps, enabling the full cycle of planning for all nautical services including pilotage, towage, mooring and other vessel services.

DCSA JIT interface standards allow carriers, ports, terminals and other service providers involved in a port call to exchange event data in a uniform way, enabling automated data exchange. Widespread adoption of DCSA JIT port call standards will benefit stakeholders in the following areas:  

• Improved port call planning through advance notification of arrival/departure and berth availability will enable vessels to adjust speed ahead of arrival, reducing fuel consumption and therefore emissions. 
• Transparency of berth (and yard) planning in terminals (between appropriate stakeholders) will allow service providers to better plan gangs and assets to improve overall utilisation and reduce idle time. 
• Consistent timestamp measurements will enable best practice comparisons for the benefit of all stakeholders including end customers who should see marked improvement in cargo delivery and release processes.  

DCSA JIT port call standards enable practical implementation of the principles described in a recently published IMO study—Just In Time Arrival – Emissions reduction potential in global container shipping.  The study estimates that between 4% (12h before arrival) and 14% (port to port) of the fuel used per voyage can be saved, representing 6 to 19 million tons of CO2 saved per year by improving port call efficiency. This is equal to 3% to 10% of the total emissions of the container shipping industry1. 

Open for feedback 

DCSA Just-in-Tine Port Call Data Definitions 1.2 Beta is open to public review and feedback for a three-month period beginning July 5. Interested parties can download the standards and provide feedback at www.dcsa.org/feedback. Once the review period is ended, DCSA will revise the standards based on input and publish the official release of DCSA Just-in-Time Port Call Data Definitions 1.2 within a three-month timeframe. 

 The DCSA Just-in-Time Port Call Data Definitions 1.2 Beta publication comprises the following set of documents:  

• DCSA Just-in-Time Port Call Data Definitions 1.2 Beta 
• DCSA Interface Standard for Just-in-Time Port Call 1.2 Beta 
• DCSA Industry Blueprint 2022.2 
• DCSA Information Model 2022.2
• Associated Reading Guides, where applicable

In addition to these documents, DCSA has published an API definition on the SwaggerHub open-source API development platform, and a reference implementation is available on GitHub.